buster

Lane - You are a "Former World Motorcycle Racing Champion"? WORLD? Bernie must be awfully proud of you. It was a nice bit of family promotion, and Debbie looks great as always, but telling us that "a couple of trials riders" were to be featured was a bit deceptive. This piece had nothing to do with trials. Other than a brief shot of your kid taking a small mx jump on his bike, it was just "The Lane Family Empire". Jeez, I always liked you Lane. I met you a bunch of times when I was a kid in the 70's and my dad was riding National events - you were always very nice to both of us. But telling people you were a World Champ is pretty sad to hear now.

That's ABC, right Lane? Any idea who the riders might be?

Boston is right in the midst of the NETA (New England Trials Ass'n). You should check out their website if you get a chance - they have lots of info for riders in the Northeast. Here's their page of dealers' links: http://www.newenglandtrials.org/dealers.htm Good luck!

Caught it at the Guggenheim in Manhattan when it opened. Loved it, just terrific. Had Sammy Miller's original Sherpa-T, Dougie's '96 Beta (front wheel up on a large paper mache "rock"), and I think a '94 GG. The unending spiral of that building was perfect for an unbroken line of display for all the wonderful, odd and historically important bikes. Well worth it, as was the book.

Ha! My dad had a Triumph TR-4 when I was a kid (British Racing Green, of course) and a Norton Atlas. Much as he loved them both, he was also fond of pointedly saying "Lucas - God of Darkness!" whenever he had to pull out his trusty VU-meter again. (Absolutely brilliant machines otherwise though. Don't know when I've had as much fun behind the wheel since - even in my nifty Impreza WRX.)

Weak spots? - Some of the older Rev's reported problems with the electronics (stator). On the other hand, I have an '01 that I bought new, and it's been absolutely flawless. So you might get lucky. Is any year better then others? Not really. They never made *major* changes from one year to the next. In '02 they went to a straight swingarm, the usual tweaking with the front pipe, etc. One thing they did redisign that makes things easier after '01: a redesign of access to the air filter. Oh - each year they claim to have lightened the bike from the previous years. I've ridden some newer Rev's, and indeed their front ends feel a bit lighter than mine (not that mine is an anchor, mind). Things to look for? What color do you prefer? LOL..other than asking about electronics, I don't know that they are known for any common build problems. Whats the power delivery like? Very, very smooth, especially at low rpm's. Kind of a hallmark of that engine. Not the sudden snap the my wife's Gasser has (which has it's place, don't get me wrong. But the GG's sure not as smooth down low. It's easier for us "mortals" to keep control with the Beta power curve I think). Lots of torque - will pull you up Everest. (Er...Everest Drive, near my house. But it's REALLY steep ) The usual things - excellent ergonomics, reliable as a stone, and power out the wazoo. But like most people will tell you: try to ride them all before you decide. Each one has its own personality, and you might find yourself more comfortable with one versus the other. If you DO choose the Beta though, I think you'll be rewarded with a bike that starts every time, has great, friendly handling characteristics, and churns out more power than you'll ever need. Good luck!

Not sure what riding's like there, but with spelling like that you'll fit right in!

Once she discovered Tequilla I didn't NEED technique...

That certainly DOES sound easy! Thanks for your input, Woody

Trialsurfer - Not sure how close I am. Two or three hours is my guess. I'll have to look up their address. A buddy of mine just purchased a GG300 Pro from them, and is expecting delivery today as a matter of fact. Said they were excellent to deal with. I've heard nothing but good things about them all the way around. I may just have to drag wifey out there one of these days.... Copemech- I tried desperately to get her on a Beta 200. I love my 270, and you're right. The thing starts with MUCH less effort than hers. But, as you mentioned, it's got that left side kick. She was absolutely not able to get past that, no matter how much she preferred the bike's ride. Steadfastly refused to even consider it. Shame, as it would have suited her riding style much better than the Gasser's twitchy handling and abrupt power delivery. (Not that that's a bad thing...if you're good enough to handle it.) Hey - she CAN squash ants! Er...but only with her right leg

Thanks James, I appreciate the thoughtful advice!

I certainly will, if I ever see one around here. Thanks Cota

F I N A L L Y ! Thanks very much Jack. I'm thrilled to hear from someone who's had the opportunity to compare. And you're right - once she realizes she owns a bike that starts when she wants it too, I'm betting she'll switch allegiances pronto. Thanks again!

Thanks HondaRS, hadn't thought of that. One of my first bikes was a '73 Sherpa-T fitted with a compression release, and found it very useful. And of course, being 13 years old, was endlessly entertained by the fart sound Hi Colley - thanks for your thoughts. We actually did put the extra base gasket on, first thing. Great mod, too. Much smoother power delivery for her. Unfortunately, it didn't really make an appreciable difference when it came to the ammount of force needed to kick it over. Really though - as much as I am grateful for everybody's thoughts on how to make her adapt better to her current machine - does anyone have an opinion on my original question?? (For those who don't care to scroll back to the other two times I asked it: Is a 4-stroker easier to kick over than a 2-stroke of the same displacement?) Thanks!

HAHA! Yeah, you're probably right. At least she won't be able to start her Gasser to chase me down, if I get a head start!

Hey, it's 220...and dropping, thank you Dr. Atkins! Hey Charlie, YOU tell her she's using improper technique. I've been kicking over bikes since my dad taught me on his '68 Sachs Boondacher, and I haven't been shirking my duties trying to impart those years of wisdom to her. I've shown her regular kicks, kicking standing astride using her other leg, kicks with the bike held in place so she can stand on both pegs, dropping her down from a height with all her weight, even facing the bars and kicking FORWARD. She has single handedly made me question not only the existance of a benificent god, but also the laws of physices. She's had that thing since new in '02. That's THREE YEARS of fiddling with her technique. Nada. Zip. Zilch. Ugatz. Seriously guys, I appreciate the suggestions for how to get her current bike moving. Very nice of you. But - can anybody answer my original question? IE: are 4 strokes generally easier to kick than a 2-strok of the same engine size? Thanks! (And Charlie - what are you doing goofing off on the web? Shouldn't you be looking for gainfull employment so your kids can have something to eat again one of these days?)

In a word: no. We've already tried. Added an extra base gasket, retarded timing, etc. Lengthening the kickstart lever even a short distance brings it protruding up over the seat. Rotating it forward is not an option either. So...no. Believe me, that would be my favorite course to take. I'm not even sure she'll be willing to make the switch anyway, even if we found out 4-strokes . She's very brand loyal. But if I can convince her that she won't need me to follow her around in case she stalls her bike, so I can re-start it for her, she might possibly be persuaded.

My wife has a GG 200Pro, and loves the thing. However, she has one real problem with it. And she'd KILL me if she knew I was divulging her secret here. But I'm gonna anyway. The problem is her short, girly legs don't have the strength to start the stupid thing, especially when cold. She was fine with her old '96JTR 270, but with the smaller bore 175cc there is a marked increase in compression it seems. Couple that with a shorter kickstart lever AND shorter distance that lever travels, well, I am often pressed into service to press that lever into service. This annoys, frustrates, embarasses and humiliates her no end. She's done a stretch of leg strengthening exercises, stood on an elevated block on the left side of the bike to get more leverage, etc., all to no effect. So what I want to know is: is a 4-stroker easier to kick over than a 2-stoke of the same displacement? I mean, as a general rule. I know my wife would hate to give up a bike that weighs only a few pounds more than her mountain bike, and is the only bike she's ever been able to hop the rear wheel on, but all of that is moot if she can't get the thing rolling in the first place. So I'm seriously considering checking out a smaller 4-stroke for her. (I guess Scorpa is the only one so far to offer anything smaller than a 250?) Thanks for any input, guys. You'll be contributing to my ongoing marital harmony

Nope, not a one. I've read about the mythical "Ignition Beast", but fortunately my '01 has been spared it. So far.

Yup! The thing is as smooth and tractable down low as any 4-banger already. Why mess with perfection?

"Today"?

Nah. If you've seen him ride, you know he spends LOTS more time on the net than on his bike. I chalk it up to his having kids. They're like intellectual Black Holes - if you get too close to them for too long, your brain disappears into them, never to escape.

I'm not sure I wanna take tech tips from a guy who doesn't know what "OP" stands for

No problemo Stu. I appreciate yours and everyone else's input. You're all a terrific lot - thanks again!

Hi Neon - I have an '01 270 Rev and love it slavishly. Never even considered a smaller displacement model. But in 2002 my wife bought a brand new GG Pro200 (175 cc) and I was shocked at how much power that thing generates. Granted, there is not a heckuva lot of torque down low, but as long as you are mindful of that it seems like it could pull lots more than I weigh - and I tip in at about 12 stone myself - without a problem. Don't get me wrong, I still prefer the Beta on all fronts. But one thing I can't fault the little GG on is power production. I've never ridden the Beta 200, but I understand from friends who have that it produces just as much power as the Pro, PLUS has good grunt at lower RPM's. Throw in the more solid construction and better ergonomics for the majority of riders that the Italian marque is known for, and I don't think you can go wrong with one. Hope you get a chance to try one before you decide. Best of luck whatever you go with!